SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 13
Bible Verses:
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2)
“Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (Romans 13:5-6)
“The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:9-10)
“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:12-14)
SUBMISSION TO THE AUTHORITIES (vs. 1-7)
A citizen of a country must submit to the governing authorities which God has established. We must pay taxes and revenues, respect and honor the authorities.
LOVE, FOR THE DAY IS NEAR (vs. 8-14)
All commandments are summed up in this one: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Love does what is right and just and seeks the best for others. For love is the highest nature of obedience and is the fulfillment of the law. Every Christian should live in the light awaiting for the Lord’s return. Do not gratify the desires of the sinful nature but rather cloth yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ.
THOUGHTS:
- God has established 3 institutions on earth: the home, the church and human government. As citizen of a nation, we must respect the God ordained office of the human government. It is our duty to pay taxes, customs, revenues and show proper honor to all offices. Be a responsible citizen as well as a responsible citizen of heaven.
- A believer must live under a higher law – the law of love. Where there is love, there is no murder, dishonesty, stealing, selfishness, orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, debauchery, division and jealousy. Walk in love to show the people that you are a true witness as the best citizen on earth.
- In the light of Christ second coming, we must be awake and alert to live in the light. It is our responsibility to live a sober, spiritual and clear lives to maintain our dignity and testimony.